Times are tough; we could use a laugh

It’s been a tough year for most of us. A tough couple of years, in fact; since the credit crunch hit in 2008 there doesn’t seem to have been much to smile about.

Jobs have been lost, budgets slashed, wages frozen, and projects downsized. And it’s not just business expenses under the axe – most of us have had to cut back on our personal spending, too.

But in this age of austerity, it should help you to know that we’re in rarified company. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Queen of England, Elizabeth, is also feeling the pinch. Her advisers believe she will run out of money in 2012, and needs urgent help from the government.

Financial struggles seem to have hold across large sections of British society, in fact, and it’s turning into a boon for one industry: comedy. The Independent reports that popular comedians in the UK are breaking records for ticket sales, selling out stadiums and arenas across the country, topping even the biggest, most famous music acts.

Kipp thinks this is surely a result of the downbeat economy; people are desperate for some light relief, a need that has translated into big money for comedians and venues across the country.

Which got Kipp to thinking – we could use some of that here in the Middle East. A little over a year ago we attended the excellent Dubai Comedy Convention, featuring Omid Djalili, and forgot our troubles for a few hours. But where was the event this year?

Surely there is money to be made by someone, and a little enjoyment for the rest of us.